The Project OMAN, an Arabian Oasis Oman, with an area of 309,500 square kms, lies at the eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula with shredded coastline on the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman (Hermuz) and the Arabian Gulf. It shares borders with the Republic of Yemen to the southwest, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the west and the United Arab Emirates to the north. Oman is an Arabian crossroad connecting far-reaching civilizations through the trade of valuable frankincense. It offers an unparalleled travel experience where modern evolving life meets deep rooted local traditions, inherent and authentic hospitality. The superb preserved nature of Oman presents a unique cultural landscape where remarkable oasis and rugged mountains witness an eternal confronts between oceans waves and sand dunes. The Hajar Mountain Chain is the highest in the Gulf countries. Jabal Akhdar (Green Mountain) climbs vertiginously to more than 3000 meters and encloses high peaks (Jabal shams), deep canyons, sinkholes among the largest in the world and long caves engraved by water. There is evidence for people dwelling in caves long ago. Archaeological artifacts and engravings can still be seen in some of the historical caves. Oman is delimited by Oman Mountain to the north, Dhofar Mountains to the south, by the Huqf outcrops to the east and by Rub Al Khali sand dunes to the West. Oman houses a great number of caves and sinkholes some are among the largest in the world with few hundred meters deep such as Salma and Teyq sinkholes. Al Dakhiliyah Area, a growing destination The Dakhliyah region lies in the interior of the sultanate. It embraces one of the major cities in Oman, Wilayat of Nizwa, which was a shelter for scholars and jurists, and a stronghold for powerful leaders. Al Dakhiliya area has been positioned as one of the most attractive areas in Oman and gradually over time, its unique and rare beauty has been attracting extraordinary tourist numbers as well as key business investments. And now Al Hoota Cave project comes up to enrich this area and gives it a magnificent over view as a startling tourist attraction as well as a noteworthy business investment. Al Dakhiliya Area is well known for the wondering tourist attractions that it holds. Natural sites Jabal Shams, the « Sun Peak » Jabal Akdhar, the « Green Mountain » Tanuf, Nahr... deep wadis Cultural sites Nizwa Bahla Jabrin Authentic Villages: Tanuf, Ghul, and Al Hamra Al Hoota cave Project Most tourists are familiar with caves, one of the oldest remnants of the way the earth has heaved and reshaped itself with the help of the wind, the ocean and the sometimes gentle, sometimes rough hands of nature. Al Hoota Cave is located at Al Dakhiliya, on Al Hoota plateau on the southern slopes of Jabal Akhdar, at the foot of the Jabal Shams or the Sun Peak, in the vicinity of the Tanuf Valley in Al Hamra district. This water-bearing subterranean Karst system, is cut into dark grey limestone, granular dolomite and argillaceous layers and marvelously covered with crystals formed by calcite and gypsum formations. The cave is more like an underground canyon with two accessible entrances. The first is located in the vicinity of Al-Hoota Village at 1040 meters above sea level and the Lower one named Al Fallah is located in the vicinity of Tanuf valley and Al Hamra Town at 810 meters above sea level. Stalactites, stalagmites, rimstones and other crystals garnish the walls, the ceiling and cave floor, are evidence of a pluvial era that hanged over Oman Mountains. A pioneer show-cave in the Gulf countries Oman Forms the eastern part of the the Arabian Peninsula with shredded coastline on the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman (Hermuz) and the Arabian Gulf. Oman is delimited by Oman Mountain, to the north, Dhofar Mountains to the south, by the Huqf outcrops to the east and by Rub Al Khali sand dunes to the West. Oman houses a great number of caves and sinkholes some are among the largest in the world with few hundred meters deep such as Salma and Teyq sinkholes. Al Hotta Cave is located on Al Hotta Plateau on the southern slopes of Jabal Akhdar, at the foot of the so-called Jabal Shams, The Sun Peak. This water-bearing subterranean Karst system, is cut into dark grey limestone, granular dolomite and argillaceous layers and marvelously covered with crystals formed by calcite and gypsum formations. The cave is more like an underground canyon with two accessible entrances. The first is located in the vicinity of Al-Hotta Village at 1040 meters above sea level and the Lower one named Al Fallah is located in the vicinity of Tanuf valley and Al Hamra Town at 810 meters above sea level. Stalactites, stalagmites, rimstones and other crystals garnish the walls, the ceiling and cave floor, and are evidence of a pluvial era that hanged over Oman Mountains. Indigenous fauna The presence of rare and endemic animal species makes Al-Hoota Cave an important yet fragile underground ecosystem. Insects and crustaceans are uncommonly present. The most interesting fact The main cave is partially occupied by an underground lake with fair natural air ventilation. A rare phenomenon is the presence of blind transparent fish nourished on organic materials brought by floods inside the cave. This type of fish is only known in this area (garra bareimiae) Access to water is prohibited, but visitors can see the lake from an esplanade and enjoy close-ups thanks to digital cameras and LCD monitors. Conservation The carrying capacity of the cave was studied carefully to minimize negative impacts on the delicate ecosystem. Different monitoring programs are set in place to detect minor changes and allow rapid intervention. The cave management team is keen to sustain and respect the cave’s biodiversity conservation. © 2006 Hotta cave. All Rights Reserved